Japan's Export Recovery Stalls Amid Subdued Global Growth

May Data Suggest Trade Picture May Not Improve Soon

TOKYO—Japan's export recovery stalled in May amid subdued global economic growth, raising the possibility that the country's trade picture may not improve quickly, while weaker imports suggest the domestic economy may be slowing.

Surprisingly, the biggest drag came from the U.S., Finance Ministry data showed Wednesday. Auto exports slid 18.4% on year, pulling overall shipments to the U.S. down 2.8%--the first on-year decline in 17...